Arm Stabilizer Device and Methods

ABSTRACT

An arm stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar and one or more modular attachments that can be detachably secured to the stabilizer bar. A wrist support attachment can be secured to the distal end of the stabilizer bar. A reducer attachment can be secured to the stabilizer bar between the wrist support attachment and the proximal end of the stabilizer bar. The reducer attachment can be moved along the length of the stabilizer bar at various angular orientations. In some embodiments stabilizer bar is pivotable about a base to allow the stabilizer bar with attachments to be pivoted away from the patient and repositioned at various points in space during use.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/087,841 filed Apr. 15, 2011 for ArmStabilizer Device and Methods, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/550,701 filed Aug. 31, 2009 and entitledArm Stabilizer for Elbow Surgical Procedure, both of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to orthopedic positioningdevices and more particularly to devices and methods for supporting anarm before, during or after a surgical, rehabilitative or imagingprocedure.

Surgical procedures on the extremities of humans occur with greatfrequency, and particularly surgeries on the arm, elbow, and hand.Injuries to a person's arm, elbow and hand come frequently from falls,reaching to catch one's self, slipping or landing on an elbow causing ashattering or dislocation of the bone structure within the elbow, andattempting to brace oneself in response to a fall resulting in fracturedbones in the humerus, elbow, forearm, and/or hand.

During the course of procedures to repair the broken bones or otherfeatures in the arm, historically, the patient's arm has been placed ona pillow or some other support structure resting on the patient's waistor chest, or a foam pad can be used to support the arm. This procedurefails to properly secure and maintain in a fixed position the extremityon which the procedure is being conducted. There have been numerousattempts to address this problem, including those described andillustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 473,200; 5,785,057; 7,017,215; 7,143,458;7,441,293 and U.S. Publication No. 2008/0301878. The prior devices thatare available in the industry, including those described in theaforesaid patents are an improvement over the simple use of a pillowresting on the patient's chest, but remain inadequate. Specifically,conventional products fail to provide good exposure to the extremity,particularly to the patient's elbow, and make it difficult for thesurgeon and assistants to have easy, unfettered access to the patient'selbow to properly complete the surgical, rehabilitative or imagingprocedure.

Thus, there is a continuing need in the art for improvements in devicesand methods for supporting an arm for such purposes.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention generally provides a device and associated methodsfor stabilizing an arm during a surgical or rehabilitative procedure,during resting, during medical imaging of the arm or during other timeswhen it is necessary to have an arm stabilized in a stationary position.The device includes a stabilizer bar and several attachments that can bedetachably secured to the stabilizer bar. Each attachment is alsoincluded as a part of the invention.

One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for mountingone at least one modular attachment for stabilizing an arm. Theapparatus includes a stabilizer bar having a distal bar end and aproximal bar end. A base is pivotally attached to the stabilizer bar atthe proximal bar end. A reducer groove is defined in the stabilizer barbetween the distal bar end and proximal bar end, the reducer groove isconfigured to mount the modular attachment to the stabilizer bar.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an arm stabilizerapparatus. The apparatus includes a stabilizer bar having a proximal barend and a distal bar end. A wrist support attachment is attached to thestabilizer bar. The wrist support attachment includes a curved wristsupport guide defining a guide channel. A wrist support block isdisposed in the guide channel. The wrist support block is angularlymoveable along the guide channel.

A further aspect of the present invention provides an arm stabilizerapparatus for clamping to a mounting structure. The apparatus includes astabilizer bar having a distal bar end and a proximal bar end. A reducerattachment is detachably secured to the stabilizer bar between thedistal bar end and the proximal bar end. A wrist support attachment mayalso be detachably secured to the stabilizer bar between the reducerattachment and the distal bar end. The wrist support attachment includesa guide bar slidably disposed on the stabilizer bar and a wrist supportguide attached to the stabilizer bar. A base is pivotally attached tothe stabilizer bar at a base hinge. The base includes a lateral rail anda vertical extension protruding generally upwards from the lateral rail.The base hinge is formed between the proximal bar end and the verticalextension.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a reducerattachment apparatus for attachment to a stabilizer bar on device forsupporting a human arm. The attachment includes a bar clamp, a lateralrod extending from the bar clamp, a sleeve extending upward from thelateral rod, a post disposed in the sleeve, the post including a freeupper post end, and a rest plate attached to the upper post end. Therest plate provides a support for applying a reduction force to the arm.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a wrist supportattachment apparatus for attachment to a stabilizer bar on a device forstabilizing a human arm. The attachment includes a guide bar defining aguide bar socket shaped for receiving the stabilizer bar. A wristsupport guide is attached to the guide bar. The wrist support guidedefines a concave guide channel.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a removablewrist pad apparatus for attachment to a wrist support guide on a devicefor stabilizing a human arm. The apparatus includes a wrist pad defininga wrist recess; an outer panel attached to the wrist pad; and a wristpad slot defined between the outer panel and the wrist pad.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a removablehumerus pad apparatus for attachment to an arm brace on a device forstabilizing a human arm. The apparatus includes a humerus pad body; apad panel attached to the humerus pad body; and a brace slot definedbetween the humerus pad body and the pad panel. The brace slot is shapedfor receiving the arm brace.

Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading ofthe following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an armstabilizer in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a wristsupport attachment for attachment to an arm stabilizer in accordancewith the present disclosure, illustrating a wrist support blockrotatable in different positions about a block rotation axis.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a wristsupport attachment for attachment to an arm stabilizer in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of an embodiment of a wristsupport block.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment of a wristsupport block of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of an embodiment of a wristsupport attachment with a wrist support block in a first angularposition.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of the embodiment of a wristsupport attachment of FIG. 6 with the wrist support block in a secondangular position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front elevation view of an embodiment of a reducerattachment mounted on a stabilizer bar in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of asleeve of a reducer attachment in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view of an embodiment of thesleeve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of the sleeveof FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of an armstabilizer illustrating a moveable reducer attachment in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofan arm stabilizer in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a rail clampin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa rail clamp in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment of an armstabilizer of FIG. 13 having a stabilizer bar in a downward position.

FIG. 16A illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment of an armstabilizer of FIG. 15 having a stabilizer bar in a vertical position.

FIG. 16B illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment of an armstabilizer of FIG. 15 having a stabilizer arm in an extended positionrotated away from the patient.

FIG. 17 illustrates a detail partial perspective view of an embodimentof a wrist pad on a wrist support block in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a patient'swrist.

FIG. 19 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of anembodiment of a wrist pad with a wrist pad slot in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of anembodiment of a wrist pad including a wrist strap positioned forengagement with a wrist support guide in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an embodimentof an arm brace and brace pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a partial perspective view of an embodiment of abrace pad attachment including brace pads and brace strap attached inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 23A illustrates a detail perspective view of an embodiment of abase hinge with a lock in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 23B illustrates a partial detail perspective view of an embodimentof a base hinge with a lock in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 23C illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of aproximal end of a stabilizer bar in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view ofan embodiment of an arm stabilizer generally designated by the numeral10. In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in eachdrawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as“upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatuswhen in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in theart will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientationswhen in use.

Referring further to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an arm stabilizer 10includes a stabilizer bar 12 and a base 50. Stabilizer bar 12 ispivotally attached to base 50 at a first pivoting joint 48. Stabilizerbar 12 includes a proximal bar end 14 and a distal bar end 16. Oneaspect of the present disclosure provides an arm stabilizer 10 that caninclude one or more modular components releasably attached to thestabilizer bar 12 between proximal bar end 14 and distal bar end 16. Forexample, as seen in FIG. 1, a wrist support attachment 70 can beattached to stabilizer bar 12. Also, a reducer attachment 20 can beattached to stabilizer bar 12 between the wrist support attachment 70and the proximal bar end 14. Generally, during use, the wrist supportattachment 70 includes a wrist recess 84 shaped for receiving apatient's wrist, arm or hand. The patient's wrist can be positioned inwrist recess 84, and reducer attachment 20 can engage the patient'supper or lower arm at a position near the elbow joint. A third modularcomponent includes a brace pad attachment 230 that can be detachablysecured to base 50 on arm stabilizer 10.

Referring further to FIG. 1, wrist support attachment 70 is a modularattachment that can be detachably secured to stabilizer bar 12. Wristsupport attachment 70 generally allows a surgeon or operator to controlthe rotational position of a patient's wrist, arm or hand during asurgical or rehabilitative procedure. By controlling the patient'swrist, arm or hand orientation, the bones of the patients wrist, arm orhand, including a patient's radius and ulna, can be positioned in adesirable orientation. Additionally, it may be necessary to angularlyreposition the wrist one or more times during a surgical procedure oroperation. The wrist support attachment 70 makes such in siturepositioning possible.

Referring to FIG. 1, wrist support attachment 70 generally includes awrist recess 84. Wrist recess 84 is generally positioned and shaped forreceiving a patient's wrist, arm or hand. Wrist recess 84 can include aconcave shape, and a patient's wrist, arm or hand can be positioned inthe wrist recess 84 so that the patient's fingers extends generally awayfrom arm stabilizer 10. In some embodiments, such as those illustratedin FIGS. 2-7, a wrist support attachment 70 includes a guide bar 72 anda wrist support guide 76. Wrist support guide 76 includes guide channel96. Guide channel 96 can include a curved, or arcuate, shape, as seen inFIG. 2 in some embodiments. In additional embodiments, guide channel 96can include a rectangular, polygonal or another curvilinear shape notshown. A wrist support block 80 can be positioned in guide channel 96.Wrist support block 80 includes a curved outer surface 81 generallyshaped to correspond to the curvature profile of wrist support guide 76.As seen in FIG. 3, wrist support block 80 can be disposed in guidechannel 96 on wrist support guide 76 such that wrist support block 80can assume various angular positions when disposed in wrist supportguide 76, as seen in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring further to FIG. 2, in some embodiments an angular guide slot92 is defined in wrist support guide 76. Guide slot 92 can include anangular clearance void extending through the thickness of wrist supportguide 76. Guide slot 92 can include an angular void extending across anangular range. In some embodiments, the guide slot angular range isbetween about zero and about three-hundred degrees. In anotherembodiment, guide slot angular range is about two-hundred-thirtydegrees. Referring further to FIGS. 1, a support fastener 90 can beattached to wrist support block 80 for securing wrist support block 80in a desired angular orientation relative to wrist support guide 76.Support fastener 90 in some embodiments includes a threaded post 90 aextending substantially radially from curved outer surface 81 on wristsupport block 80, seen in FIG. 2. Threaded post 90 a extends throughguide slot 92 in some embodiments so that, as wrist support block 80 isangularly positioned, threaded post 90 a translates through guide slot92. When wrist support block 80 is aligned at a preferred angularorientation, a threaded nut 90 b can be threadedly engaged with threadedpost 90 a and tightened against wrist support guide 76 such that wristsupport guide 76 is clamped between wrist support block 80 and threadednut 90 b. As such, wrist support block 80 can be releasably secured inplace at a desired angular orientation relative to wrist support guide76. In some embodiments, threaded nut 90 b includes a textured knoballowing a surgeon or operator to loosen fastener 90, change the angularposition of wrist support block 80, and then re-tighten fastener 90 atthe new angular position. In some applications, this can be achieved bythe surgeon or operator using only one hand. By changing the angularposition of the wrist support block 80, the surgeon or operator canreposition the patient's wrist, arm or hand, which in turn changes theposition of one or more bones extending from the wrist to the elbowjoint. As seen in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the wrist support block80 is generally angularly moveable about a block rotation axis 98.

In other embodiments not shown, support fastener 90 can include athreaded screw or bolt inserted through guide slot 92 and threadedlyengaging a corresponding threaded hole defined in wrist support block80. In such embodiments, support fastener 90 can be tightened againstwrist support guide 96, thereby clamping wrist support guide 96 betweena head on support fastener 90 and releasably securing wrist supportblock 80 at a desired angular position.

As seen in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, threaded post 90 a can extenddirectly downward from the wrist support cavity 78. Wrist support cavity78 generally forms a recess in which the patient's wrist or arm can bereceived. As seen in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, in additional embodiments,threaded post 90 a can extend in an offset orientation relative to thewrist support cavity 78.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, wrist support block 80 in some embodimentsincludes one or more block flanges extending radially outward from wristsupport block 80. For example, a first block flange 86 extendssubstantially radially outward from wrist support block 80 and morespecifically from curved outer surface 81. First block flange 86generally extends in the radial direction away from block rotation axis98 at least partially beyond the inner edge of wrist support guide 76.As such, first block flange 86 is operable to prevent axial movement ofthe wrist support block 80 relative to the wrist support guide 76. Wristsupport block 80 includes a semi-cylindrical profile in someembodiments.

In some embodiments, a second block flange 88 extends substantiallyoutward from wrist support block 80. Second block flange 88 generallyextends in the radial direction away from block rotation axis 98 atleast partially beyond the inner edge of wrist support guide 76. Assuch, second block flange 88 is operable to prevent axial movement ofthe wrist support block 80 relative to the wrist support guide 76.

In some embodiments, a flange gap 68, seen in FIG. 5, is formed betweenfirst and second block flanges 86, 88. The curved wrist support guide 76is at least partially received in the flange gap 68 when wrist supportblock 80 is positioned in the guide channel 96 in some embodiments.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-7, wrist support attachment 70 can bemodularly attached to, or is detachably securable to, an arm stabilizer10, and more specifically to a stabilizer bar 12 on an arm stabilizer10, using a releasable attachment. A guide bar 72 is attached to wristsupport guide 76. Guide bar 72 includes a guide bar socket 74. Guide barsocket 74 forms an opening in guide bar 72 through which a portion ofstabilizer bar 12 can be received. For example, in some embodimentsguide bar socket 74 is formed by a hole defined in guide bar 72. Guidebar 72 can be attached to distal bar end 16 by sliding distal bar end 16into the guide bar socket 74. Once positioned on stabilizer bar 12, theguide bar 72 can be repositioned along the length of stabilizer bar 12.In some embodiments, stabilizer bar 12 includes a linear guide trackregion 64. The linear guide track region 64 generally forms asubstantially linear region on stabilizer bar 12 near distal bar end 16.As guide bar 72 is moved along linear guide track region 64, theposition of wrist support attachment 70 relative to proximal bar end 14can be adjusted. Once a desired position of guide bar 72 alongstabilizer bar 12 is reached, in some embodiments, guide bar 72 can bereleasably secured in place using a guide bar fastener 94 attached toguide bar 72. In some embodiments, guide bar fastener 94 includes athreaded bolt or a screw threadedly inserted through a threaded holeformed on or attached to guide bar 72. A portion of the guide barfastener 94 extends partially into the guide bar socket 74 and engagesstabilizer bar 12 when guide bar fastener 94 is tightened. When guidebar fastener 94 is fully or partially released, guide bar 72 is at leastpartially disengaged from stabilizer bar 12, and guide bar 72 can berepositioned along the length of stabilizer bar 12. In some embodiments,guide bar fastener 94 includes a textured or knurled knob forfacilitating manual tightening and loosening of guide bar fastener 94relative to stabilizer bar 12.

Referring further to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a wrist pad82 is removably disposed in wrist support cavity 78. Wrist pad 82 caninclude a dissimilar material as wrist support block 80. In someembodiments, wrist pad 82 can include a flexible material such as butnot limited to a closed or open cell foam, a padding material, a textilematerial, a gel material, or other types of suitable materials known inthe art. Wrist pad 82 is generally shaped to correspond to the shape ofwrist support cavity 78. Although wrist pad 82 and wrist support cavity78 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 as having a generally rectangular shape,it will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that wristpad 82 and/or wrist support cavity 78 can include other linear orcurvilinear shapes such as semi-circular or semi-elliptical shapes.

Also seen in FIG. 3, wrist pad 82 can include a single piece of materialfolded at a first fold 83 a and at a second fold 83 b to form a firstpad panel 82 a, a second pad panel 82 b positioned between first andsecond folds 83 a, 83 b, and a third panel 82 c. In additionalembodiments, wrist pad 82 can be integrally formed on wrist supportblock 80 using any variety of suitable material forming techniques suchas but not limited to overmolding or injection molding. In someembodiments, wrist support block 80 includes a polymer or a plasticmaterial, and wrist pad 82 is formed directly on wrist support block 80.In additional embodiments, wrist pad 82 may be adhered to wrist supportblock 80.

A wrist recess 84 is formed by wrist pad 82. Wrist recess 84 forms anopening for positioning a patient's wrist, arm or hand. Referring now toFIG. 17, in some embodiments, wrist pad 82 defines a wrist recess 84having a wrist recess width 144 and a wrist recess depth 146. In someembodiments, it is desirable to provide a wrist pad 82 forming a wristrecess 84 dimensioned such that a patient's wrist, arm or hand cannotrotate freely within wrist recess 84. To accomplish this objective,wrist recess width 144 and wrist recess depth 146 can be chosen to limitfree rotation of a patient's wrist, arm or hand in wrist recess 84.

As seen in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, a wrist 152 positioned betweena patient's arm 154 and hand 150 generally includes a thickness 158 anda width 156. Wrist recess 84 can generally be dimensioned such that thewrist thickness 158 corresponds to the wrist recess width 144. As such,the wrist 152 can be inserted into the wrist recess 84 in an orientationwhere the thumb generally points upward or downward. Similarly, thewrist recess depth 146 can correspond to the wrist width 156. As such,the wrist, arm or hand can be generally prevented from freely rotatingin the wrist recess 84. In some embodiments, wrist pad 82 is formed suchthat the ratio of the wrist recess depth 146 to wrist recess width 144is greater than one. In such embodiments, when the wrist support block80 is rotated relative to wrist support guide 76, wrist, arm and/or handorientation is forcefully rotated generally about block rotation axis98, or about an axis substantially parallel to block rotation axis 98.

In some embodiments, the angular position of the patient's wrist, arm orhand can be repositioned in real time during a surgery or a procedure byadjusting the angular position of the wrist support block 80.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a reducer attachment 20 forms another modularattachment that can be installed on stabilizer bar 12. It is noted thatarm stabilizer 10 can function with or without reducer attachment 20.Reducer attachment 20 is releasably connected to stabilizer bar 12 usinga bar clamp 32. Bar clamp 32 in some embodiments includes a U-shapedclamp shaped for receiving stabilizer bar 12. As seen in FIG. 8, a barclamp fastener 34 is attached to bar clamp 32. In some embodiments, barclamp fastener 34 includes a threaded screw or bolt having a knob formanually screwing bar clamp fastener 34 toward or away from stabilizerbar 12. When bar clamp fastener 34 is screwed toward and tightenedagainst stabilizer bar 12, reducer attachment 20 can be fixed in placerelative to stabilizer bar 12. When bar clamp fastener is screwed awayfrom and at least partially released from engagement with stabilizer bar12, reducer attachment 20 can be slid along the length of stabilizer bar12 or removed entirely from stabilizer bar 12.

In some embodiments, stabilizer bar 12 includes one or more reducergrooves 66, seen in FIG. 8. A bar clamp fastener tip 67 disposed on theend of bar clamp fastener 34 nearest stabilizer bar 12 is received in areducer groove 66 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, bar clampfastener tip 67 includes a polymer material. When bar clamp fastener tip67 is received in a reducer groove 66, bar clamp fastener 34 can bepartially disengaged from stabilizer bar 12 such that reducer attachment20 can be slid along stabilizer bar 12 without being fully disengagedfrom stabilizer bar 12. In some embodiments, stabilizer bar 12 includesa first reducer groove 66 a defined on a first side of stabilizer bar12, seen in FIG. 15, and a second reducer groove 66 b defined on thesecond side of stabilizer bar 12, seen in FIG. 13. In such embodiments,reducer attachment 20 can be positioned to extend outward from eitherside of stabilizer bar because bar clamp fastener tip 67 caninterchangeably engage first and second reducer grooves 66 a, 66 b,depending on the side of stabilizer bar 12 from which reducer attachment20 projects.

Referring again to FIG. 8, a lateral rod 22 extends from bar clamp 32and away from stabilizer bar 12. Lateral rod 22 can project away frombar clamp 32 at an upward angle in some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 8,or at a horizontal or a downward angle in other embodiments not shown. Asleeve 24 extends generally upward from lateral rod 22. Sleeve 24 insome embodiments includes a hollow sleeve having an opening at its upperaxial end. A post 26 is slidably disposed in sleeve 24. Post 26telescopingly engages sleeve 24. Post 26 includes an upper post end 30extending from sleeve 24. A rest plate 28 is disposed on upper post end30. Rest plate 28 can include a concave shape facing away from post 26in some embodiments. In other embodiments, rest plate 28 can include aflat or non-concave shape not shown. Rest plate 28 provides a supportfor engaging a patient's arm. Post 26 is generally axially moveable insleeve 24 along a reducer axis 21. Reducer axis 21 can be aligned with apatient's elbow joint in some applications.

In additional embodiments, reducer attachment 20 includes a lateral rod22 and a fixed post 26 attached directly to the lateral rod 22 with arest plate 28 disposed on the upper end of the post 26.

As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, sleeve 24 includes a sleeve opening 42.Sleeve opening 42 generally includes a vertical orientation. In someembodiments, sleeve opening 42 extends along the entire height of sleeve24. In other embodiments, sleeve opening 42 extends only partially alongthe height of sleeve 24. A handle 36 is attached to post 26. Handle 36extends from post 26 radially through sleeve opening 42. Handle 36provides a means for manually moving post 36 and rest plate 28 up ordown along reducer axis 21. Handle 36 includes a proximal handle end 37a and a distal handle end 37 b, seen in FIG. 8. Proximal handle end 37 ais attached to post 26, and distal handle end 37 b extends away frompost 26. In some embodiments, proximal handle end 37 a includes asmaller handle diameter than distal handle end 37 b. As such, a user isable to grasp distal handle end 37 b in or near the palm of only one ofthe user's hands while receiving the proximal handle end 37 a betweentwo fingers. As such, handle 36 can be manipulated using only one handin some embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a control button 38 is disposed on the handle36 in some embodiments. Control button 38 extends axially from distalhandle end 37 b. Also seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, sleeve 24 includes aplurality of holes 44. Each hole is defined at an axial location alongthe height of sleeve 24. A latch 46 extends radially from post 26. Latch46 can be attached to a spring mechanism for biasing latch 46 in aradially extended position, as seen in FIG. 1. In the radially extendedposition, latch 46 extends through one of the plurality of holes 44.Latch 46 is mechanically linked to control button 38 so that, bydepressing control button 38, latch 46 is retracted radially inwardlysuch that latch 46 no longer extends fully through the hole. As such,latch 46 is configurable to selectively disengage at least one of theplurality of holes 44 defined in the sleeve 24 when the control button38 is depressed. When control button 38 is depressed, post 26 can bemoved along reducer axis 21 using handle 36. When post 26 is moved tothe desired axial position relative to sleeve 24, control button 38 canbe released and latch 46 extends radially outwardly. If, upon release ofcontrol button 38, latch 46 is not aligned with one of the plurality ofholes 44, post 26 can be moved slightly up or down to align latch 46with a nearest adjacent one of the plurality of holes 44 either above orbelow latch 46. Upon alignment of latch 46 with one of the plurality ofholes 44 while control button 38 is not depressed, latch 46 willresiliently spring through the hole and will selectively lock post 26 atthat axial position relative to sleeve 24. As such, the position of post26 can be used to define a vertical position of rest plate 28 in someembodiments.

As seen in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, sleeve 24 includes holes onopposite sides of sleeve 24. For example, a first plurality of holes 44a is defined on a first side of sleeve 24, and a second plurality ofholes 44 b is defined on a second side of sleeve 24. Similarly, in someembodiments, latch 46 can include a first latch end extending throughone of the first plurality of holes 44 a and a second latch endextending through one of the second plurality of holes 44 b. Each latchend is mechanically linked to control button 38 in such embodiments.

Referring further to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, sleeve 24 isintegrally attached to lateral rod 22. In other embodiments, sleeve 24can be mechanically attached to lateral rod 22 using a mechanicalfastening means such as but not limited to welding, using a fastener ora threaded engagement, or using an adhesive.

In some embodiments, reducer attachment 20 is operable to provide asupport for applying a reduction force to an arm. A reduction force isgenerally referred to as a force that a surgeon or operator may seek toapply against a patient's arm for aligning one or more structures withinthe arm, such as a bone, a joint, a ligament or a tendon. Theapplication of a reduction force against a patient's upper or lower armcan be necessary during surgery or rehabilitation operations to properlyalign the structures inside the arm. Using conventional techniques, asurgeon or an assistant would typically apply force on opposing sides ofthe arm using both of the surgeon's or the assistant's hands. Theconventional bimanual technique for application of reduction force makesconcurrent surgical operation or other procedures on the joint duringperiods of reduction force application difficult. The reducer attachment20 of the present invention can be used in some embodiments to replaceone of the surgeon's or operator's hands used for reduction forceapplication. For example, when rest plate 28 is positioned to engage thepatient's arm at or near the elbow joint, a surgeon or operator can useone hand to press against the region of the arm necessary to apply thedesired reduction force while the rest plate 28 supports the arm. Assuch, the surgeon or operator uses the rest plate 28 as a backing platefor force application using only one of the surgeon's or operator'shands. The remaining hand of the surgeon or operator is then free toperform a task simultaneous with the reduction force application.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a reducer attachment 20that can slide along the stabilizer bar 12. Generally, reduction forceis at times most effective when applied in a direction along the reduceraxis 21. Because the stabilizer bar includes a curved stabilizer barregion 58, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12, the reducer axis 21 orientationcan be adjusted by moving the reducer attachment 20. Thus, the surgeonor operator can position the reducer attachment 20 such that thedirection of reduction force application 29 can be aligned with reduceraxis 21. In many applications, it is desirable to apply reduction forcein different directions. For example, as seen in FIG. 12, in a firstreducer attachment position 20 a, the direction of reduction force 29 ais aligned with a first reducer axis orientation 21 a. In thisembodiment, reduction force 29 a can be applied generally parallel tothe orientation of the humerus. Also seen in FIG. 12, reducer attachment20 can be moved to a second reducer attachment position 20 b alongstabilizer bar 12, causing the orientation of reducer axis 21 to move toa second reducer axis orientation 21 b. In this position, a secondreduction force 29 b can be applied against the patent's arm in adifferent direction. Using the reducer attachment apparatus 20,reduction force can be applied in a direction parallel to the shaft ofthe radius and ulna, parallel to the shaft of the humerus, or in anydirection in between.

Referring now to FIG. 12 and FIG. 15, in some embodiments, thestabilizer bar 12 includes a curved stabilizer bar region 58 thatincludes a radius of curvature 60. The radius of curvature 60 in someembodiments extends across a radius angle 62. In some embodiments,radius angle 62 is between about forty-five and about ninety degrees. Inother embodiments, radius angle 62 is greater than or less than thisangular range. Radius of curvature 60 can be nonuniform across radiusangle 62 so stabilizer arm 12 can accommodate different patients havingdifferent humerus lengths. In such embodiments, when reducer attachment20 is translated across the curved region of stabilizer bar 12, restplate 28 translates in space. In other embodiments, radius of curvature60 can remain constant across all or part of radius angle 62. In suchembodiments, when reducer attachment 20 is translated across the curvedregion of stabilizer bar 12 corresponding to a constant radius ofcurvature, rest plate 28 stays substantially in the same position inspace and rotates about the vertex of the radius angle. Rest plate 28generally assumes a first rest plate position 28 a corresponding to thefirst reducer attachment position and a second rest plate position 28 bcorresponding to the second reducer attachment position, as seen in FIG.12. When reducer attachment 20 is repositioned on stabilizer bar 12along the constant radius portion of the curved stabilizer bar region58, the rest plate can remain in substantially the same position,corresponding to the elbow joint. As such, rest plate continues tosupport the elbow joint as the reducer attachment 20 is moved angularlyrelative to stabilizer bar 12.

Also seen in FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of a wrist supportattachment 70 includes a wrist support guide 76 having a rectangularshape. Wrist support guide 76 includes a first guide panel 76 a, asecond guide panel 76 b and a third guide panel 76 c. First and thirdguide panels 76 a and 76 c generally project upwards from second guidepanel 76 b. Wrist support guide 76 is attached to a guide bar 72 that isreleasably securable at various positions to stabilizer bar 12.

A removable wrist pad 82, seen in FIG. 19, can be attached directly towrist support guide 76 in some embodiments. Wrist pad 82 in thisembodiment includes first, second and third wrist pad panels 82 a, 82 b,82 c integrally attached at a plurality of wrist pad folds 83 a, 83 b,seen in FIG. 3. An outer panel 160 is disposed on a wrist pad panel onwrist pad 82. Outer panel 160 and the corresponding wrist pad panel towhich it is attached form a wrist pad slot 164. Wrist pad slot 164includes a space defined between outer panel 160 and its correspondingwrist pad panel. An opening to the wrist pad slot 164 is defined alongthe lower edge 162 of outer panel 160 such that the wrist pad 82 can beslid onto at least one of the guide panels 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, seen inFIG. 13, from above. When wrist pad 82 is slid onto wrist support guide76, an upright guide panel of wrist support guide 76 is received in thewrist pad slot 164 between the wrist pad 82 and the outer panel 160. Asecond outer panel 172 can be positioned on the opposite side of wristpad 82, forming a second wrist pad slot for receiving a second uprightguide panel of wrist support guide 76. As seen in FIG. 19, a removablepad block 176 can be disposed between wrist pad panels from above.

One advantage of the embodiment of a wrist pad 82 illustrated in FIG. 19is that the wrist pad 82 can be secured to a patient's wrist, arm orhand prior to engagement of wrist pad 82 with the arm stabilizer 10. Insome embodiments, a patch 166 is positioned on wrist pad 82. Patch 166in one embodiment is positioned on outer panel 160. Patch 166 in someembodiments includes a fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastenermaterial. A wrist strap 108, seen in FIG. 20, can be positioned on wristpad 82 such that wrist strap inner surface 170 contacts patch 166. Wriststrap inner surface 170 also includes a fastener such as a correspondinghook-and-loop fastener material in some embodiments. During use, apatient's wrist, arm or hand can be inserted in wrist recess 84 and thenwrist strap 108 can be fastened to wrist pad 82 across the top of wristrecess 84, spanning the wrist recess 84, as seen in FIG. 20, to securethe patient's wrist, arm or hand to wrist pad 82. Pad block 176 can bepositioned between the patient's wrist, arm or hand and wrist strap 108.After the pad is installed on the patient's wrist, arm or hand, the padcan then be slid onto the wrist support guide 76. In alternativeembodiments, the wrist pad 82 can be positioned on the wrist supportguide 76 prior to positioning the patient's wrist, arm or hand in wristrecess 84. Such modular assembly of wrist pad 82 on wrist supportattachment 70 also allows the wrist, arm or hand to be disengaged fromarm stabilizer 10 without removing wrist pad 82.

In some embodiments, wrist pad 82 includes a foam material. Wrist pad 82can be a disposable part of the arm stabilizer system. By providing adisposable wrist pad 82, arm stabilizer 10 can be used with multiplepatients while providing sanitary skin contact between arm stabilizer 10and each new patient.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a brace pad attachment 230 can be detachablysecured to arm stabilizer 10. In some embodiments, brace pad attachment230 is detachably securable to vertical extension 54 on base 50. Bracepad attachment 230 includes one or more arm braces 130 a, 130 b attachedto an arm brace bracket 132. Arm brace bracket 132 extends laterallyfrom base 50. In some embodiments, each arm brace 130 a, 130 b, includesa curved brace surface 142 shaped to engage a patient's arm. Each armbrace 130 may be referred to as a humerus brace in some embodimentsbecause each arm brace 130 is positioned to engage a region of thepatient's arm surrounding or near the humerus bone. In the embodimentseen in FIG. 1, first and second arm braces 130 a, 130 b are positionedto engage the tricep side of a patient's upper arm when the elbow jointis bent over or is positioned near the rest plate 28, and while thepatient's lower arm or wrist is positioned in the wrist recess 84 on thewrist support attachment 70. Brace bracket 132 includes a rigid barrigidly secured to or detachably securable to vertical extension 54 onbase 50.

Referring again to FIG. 13, in some embodiments one or both arm bracesare attached to arm brace bracket 132 at a pivoting brace joints 134 a,134 b. For example, first arm brace 130 a is attached to brace bracket132 at a first pivoting brace joint 134 a, and second arm brace 130 b isattached to brace bracket 132 at a second pivoting brace joint 134 b. Insuch embodiments, each arm brace can pivot to change orientation foraccommodating different sized arms.

Also seen in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, arm brace attachment 230 isdetachably securable to an arm brace stage 136. Arm brace bracket 132includes a release switch 148 that can be manipulated to selectivelyremove arm brace bracket 132 from arm stabilizer 10. For example, asseen in FIG. 22, arm brace bracket 132 includes one or more primarybracket holes 234 a, 234 b having a first orientation. Primary bracketholes 234 a, 234 b engage corresponding stage posts 137 a, 137 bpositioned on brace stage 136 for securing arm brace bracket 132 to armbrace stage 136. In some embodiments, arm brace bracket 132 includessecondary bracket holes 232 a, 232 b, having a second orientationsubstantially perpendicular to the first orientation of primary bracketholes 234 a, 234 b, for engagement with stage posts. When primarybracket holes 234 a, 234 b receive stage posts 137 a, 137 b, brace padattachment 230 is positioned generally as seen in FIG. 13 such that thebrace pads engage the tricep region of the upper arm. However, whensecondary bracket holes 232 a, 232 b engage stage posts 137 a, 137 b,brace pad attachment 230 is positioned generally as seen in FIGS. 16Aand 16B such that brace pads engage the bicep region of the upper arm.Each stage post 137 a, 137 b can include one or more stage post grooves139 a, 139 b, respectively, for selectively engaging a correspondingstructure release switch 148.

Also seen in FIGS. 13, 23A and 23B, an arm brace stage fastener 138 isattached to arm brace stage 136. Arm brace stage fastener 138 engages acorresponding linear stage track 140 positioned on vertical extension 54of base 50. An operator of arm stabilizer 10 can manually loosen armbrace fastener 138 and manually slide arm brace stage 136 up or downalong stage track 140 to adjust the position of brace pad attachment230, including first and second arm braces, relative to a patient'supper arm. When the desired position is reached, the operator can thenmanually re-tighten the arm brace stage fastener 138 to secure the bracepad attachment in position.

In some embodiments, each arm brace 130 a, 130 b includes a padded bracesurface 142. In additional embodiments, each arm brace 130 a, 130 b isconfigured to receive a removable brace pad, or humerus pad.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a removablehumerus pad 180, or brace pad, seen in FIG. 21, for attachment to an armbrace 130 on a device for stabilizing a human arm. The brace pad 180includes a brace pad body 178 including a foam material, a gel material,a textile material, a padded material or another suitable material forengaging a patient's arm. A brace pad panel 182 is attached to the backof the brace pad body 178. The brace pad panel 182 defines a brace slot184 between the brace pad panel 182 and the brace pad body 178. Thebrace slot 184 is generally shaped for receiving arm brace 130.

Each humerus pad 180 may be disposable in some embodiments. In someembodiments, the present invention provides a kit including a pluralityof disposable humerus pads for attachment to an arm brace on an armstabilizer.

Brace pads 180 are used to provide a padded contact between thepatient's upper arm, i.e. humerus (bicep or tricep), and the armstabilizer 10. Each brace pad 180 can include a disposable item in someembodiments. Prior to use, brace pad 180 can be slid onto arm brace 130from above, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 21. Brace slot 184 isgenerally dimensioned to slidably receive an arm brace 130, such asfirst or second arm brace 130 a or 130 b. In some embodiments, arm brace180 is configured to be used interchangeably between first and secondarm braces 130 a, 130 b. A bracket slot 186 is defined in brace padpanel 182. Bracket slot 186 is shaped to accommodate arm brace bracket132, or another mounting structure on arm brace 130, when brace pad 180is slid onto arm brace 130. One or more brace pad patches 188 can bepositioned on each arm brace 180 in some embodiments. Each brace padpatch 188 can include a fastener such as a hook-and-loop type fastenermaterial.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a brace pad strap 190 can be positioned on thearm stabilizer extending from first arm brace 130 a to second arm brace130 b. A patient's upper arm can be secured to the arm stabilizer usingbrace pad strap 190. A first brace pad 180 a is installed on first armbrace 130 a, and a second brace pad 180 b is installed on second armbrace 130 b. Brace pad strap 190 extends from first brace pad 180 a tosecond brace pad 180 b, forming a loop. The patient's arm can be securedin the loop.

Referring again to FIG. 1, arm stabilizer 10 in some embodimentsincludes a base 50 pivotally attached to the stabilizer bar 12. A base50 is pivotally attached to the stabilizer bar 12 at a base hinge 48.The base 50 includes a lateral rail 52 and a vertical extension 54protruding generally upwards from the lateral rail 52. The base hinge 48is formed between the proximal bar end 14 and the vertical extension 54.Base hinge 48 allows stabilizer bar 12 to be pivoted relative to base 50as seen in FIGS. 16A and 16B. Stabilizer bar 12 can generally be pivotedaway from a patient as seen in FIG. 16A. Such rotation of stabilizer bar12 allows the patient's arm to be moved away from the patient. In theorientation seen in FIG. 16A, it is noted that arm brace attachment 230can be repositioned such that first arm brace 130 a and second arm brace130 b face generally toward lateral rail 52. As such, in this position,the user's bicep can be engaged by first and second arm braces 130 a,130 b and the patient's lower arm and wrist can extend upward towardwrist support guide 76. Stabilizer bar 12 may be rotated about basehinge 48 into this position for a procedure or for rehabilitation or foranother purpose such as taking a medical image of the patient's arm. Forexample, in some applications, it may be desirable for stabilizer bar 12to be in a position such as that seen in FIG. 1, or the position seen inFIG. 16A, or any orientation therebetween. In a preferred embodiment,stabilizer bar 12 can also be secured at an intermediate angle betweenthe position seen in FIG. 1 and the position seen in FIG. 16A. Theintermediate angle includes about a forty-five degree angle in someembodiments.

As seen in FIG. 16B, in some embodiments, stabilizer bar 12 is pivotableabout base hinge 48 away from the patient beyond the verticalorientation seen in FIG. 16A. In FIG. 16B, stabilizer bar 12 extends anextension angle 174 beyond vertical. In some embodiments, stabilizer bar12 is pivotable to an extension angle up to about forty-five degrees orany angle in between vertical and the forty-five degree position seen inFIG. 16B. By providing a device having a stabilizer bar 12 pivotableaway from the patient, the patient's arm can be extended away from thepatient and the operating table for imaging of the arm without removingthe arm from arm stabilizer 10. After the imaging is completed, thestabilizer bar 12 can be rotated about base hinge 48 back toward thepatient for further operation, rehabilitation or rest.

Base hinge 48 includes a base hinge lock in some embodiments forsecuring stabilizer bar 12 at the desired angular orientation about basehinge 48 relative to base 50. Referring to FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C, anembodiment of a base hinge lock 200 is generally illustrated. The basehinge lock 200 is operable to lock stabilizer bar 12 at a desiredangular position relative to vertical extension 54 on the base. In oneexemplary embodiment, base hinge lock 200 includes a plurality of lockholes 208 defined on proximal bar end 14 on stabilizer bar 12, seen inFIG. 23A. Each lock hole 208 is positioned to interchangeably engage abase hinge pin 202 protruding upward from vertical extension 54, as seenin FIG. 23B. Base hinge pin 202 is coupled to a pin spring 214 operableto resiliently bias base hinge pin 202 in the upward position, as seenin FIG. 23B. A lock knob 216 is mechanically linked to base hinge pin202 through lock knob slot 218. Lock knob 216 can be translated downwardthrough lock knob slot 218, thereby selectively moving, or releasing,base hinge pin 202 downward into a pin chamber and disengaging basehinge pin 202 from a corresponding lock hole 208 on proximal bar end 14.When lock knob 216 is positioned such that base hinge pin 202 isreleased, stabilizer bar 12 can be angularly pivoted about base hinge48. In some embodiments, a hinge pin 49 forms an axis of rotation forpivoting stabilizer bar 12. The position of each pin socket 208 forms apredetermined angular location for stabilizer bar 12 in someembodiments. For example, as seen in FIG. 23C, a first pin socket 208 acorresponds to a stabilizer bar position wherein proximal bar end 14extends from vertical extension 54 at a substantially ninety degreeangle, and first pin socket 208 a is defined along a first socket axis210 a, as seen in FIG. 15. A second pin socket 208 b is defined inproximal bar end 14 along a second socket axis 210 b. In someembodiments, the angle between first and second socket axes is betweenabout thirty and about sixty degrees. In other embodiments, the anglebetween first and second socket axes is about forty-five degrees. Athird pin socket 210 c is defined along a third socket axis 210 c. Insome embodiments, the angle between first socket axis 210 a and thirdsocket axis 210 c is about ninety degrees. When base hinge pin 202engages third pin socket 208 c in some embodiments, stabilizer bar 12 isin the position seen in FIG. 16A. A fourth pin socket 208 d is definedalong a fourth socket axis 210 d. In some embodiments, the angle betweenfirst and fourth pin socket axes is between about one-hundred-twenty andabout one-hundred-fifty degrees. In a further embodiment, the anglebetween first and fourth pin socket axes is aboutone-hundred-thirty-five degrees. In some embodiments, when base hingepin 202 engages fourth pin socket 208 d, stabilizer bar 12 is in theposition seen in FIG. 16B.

Referring to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of an arm stabilizer 10is generally illustrated in a perspective view. Arm stabilizer 10includes a rail clamp 100 secured to base 50. Rail clamp 100 includes amodular attachment that can be used to secure arm stabilizer 10 to amounting structure 102. Mounting structure 102 could include anysuitable structure for mounting arm stabilizer 10, such as a surgicaltable or bench or a patient's bed or chair. Rail clamp 100 can includevarious embodiments, seen in FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B. Rail clamp 100includes a mounting recess 106 shaped to receive mounting structure 102.Mounting recess 106 is defined between a clamp body 120 and a pawl 110.Pawl 110 is pivotally attached to clamp body 120. Pawl 110 includes apawl flange 112, seen in FIG. 14A, and clamp body 120 includes a bodyflange 122. Pawl flange 112 and body flange 122 protrude toward eachother across mounting recess 106. Mounting structure 102 can be receivedin mounting recess 106, and pawl 110 can be pivoted toward mountingstructure 102 using rail clamp fastener 104. In some embodiments, railclamp fastener 104 includes a threaded screw or bolt inserted through ahole in the rail clamp. When rail clamp fastener 104 is screwed towardpawl 110, or tightened against clamp body, rail clamp fastener 104engages pawl 110 and pushes pawl 110 toward mounting recess 106 andmounting structure 102. In some embodiments, pawl 110 is angularlymoveable about a pawl pivot axis 124, seen in FIG. 14B. A pawl spring126 can be positioned between pawl 110 and clamp body 120 for biasingpawl 110 toward rail clamp fastener 104. As such, when rail clampfastener 104 is unscrewed away from pawl 110, pawl spring 126 maintainsengagement between rail clamp fastener 104 and pawl 10, thereby allowingmounting structure 102 to be released from mounting recess 106.

Also seen in FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B, rail clamp 100 includes a rail gap128 formed at the end of rail clamp 100 opposite pawl 110. Rail gap 128can be formed in clamp body 120 in some embodiments. A first rail flange116 a and a second rail flange 116 b protrude from clamp body towardrail gap 128. Each rail flange provides a retaining structure forengaging lateral rail 52 on base 50 of arm stabilizer 10. In someembodiments, lateral rail 52 on base 50 includes first and second railgrooves 56 a, 56 b. First rail flange 116 a slidably engages first railgroove 56 a, and second rail flange 116 b slidably engages second railgroove 56 b. A lateral rail fastener 108 is attached to rail clamp 100and can be used to tighten rail clamp 100 against lateral rail 52.

Different rail clamps can include different lengths. For example, therail clamp illustrated in FIG. 14A generally includes a first rail clamplength 194, and the rail clamp illustrated in FIG. 14B generallyincludes a second rail clamp length 196 greater than the first railclamp length 194. Generally, a longer rail clamp is more effective foruse with an arm stabilizer when used with a taller patient. For example,the rail clamp illustrated in FIG. 14A could be used more effectivelywith a person less than about six feet tall, and the rail clampillustrated in FIG. 14B, having a greater length, could be used moreeffectively with a person greater than about six feet tall. In someembodiments, the present invention provides an arm stabilizer kitincluding a stabilizer bar, a first rail clamp having a first length anda second rail clamp having a second length, wherein the first length isless than the second length. As such, the kit provides multiple railclamps for accommodating patients of differing heights.

It is noted that, in some embodiments, any one or more of the modularcomponents for attachment to stabilizer bar 12 may be disposable. Forexample, in some embodiments, wrist support block 80 is a disposablepart that may be thrown away after use. In a further embodiment, wristsupport attachment 70 may be a disposable part. Additionally, one ormore parts of reducer attachment 20 can be disposable. Each disposablepart in some embodiments includes a plastic material.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful Arm Stabilizer Device and Methods,it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations uponthe scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for mounting one at least onemodular attachment for stabilizing an arm, the apparatus comprising: astabilizer bar having a distal bar end and a proximal bar end; a basepivotally attached to the stabilizer bar at the proximal bar end; and areducer groove defined in the stabilizer bar between the distal bar endand proximal bar end, the reducer groove configured to mount the modularattachment to the stabilizer bar.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a lateral rail disposed on the base.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, further comprising: a vertical extension disposed on the base,the vertical extension protruding upwardly from the lateral rail,wherein the proximal bar end of the stabilizer bar is pivotally attachedto the vertical extension.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a linear stage track disposed on the vertical extension ofthe base.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a rail clampsecured to the base.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: arail groove defined in the lateral rail; and a rail flange disposed onthe rail clamp, wherein the rail flange is partially received in thelateral groove.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the rail clamp ismoveable relative to the base.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising a mounting recess defined in the rail clamp, the mountingrecess shaped to receive an external mounting structure.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising the stabilizer bar including acurved region between the proximal bar end and the distal bar end. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising the stabilizer barincluding a linear region between the curved region and the distal barend.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a reducerattachment mounted in the reducer groove along the curved region of thestabilizer bar.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the reducerattachment is moveable in the reducer groove along a portion of thelength of the stabilizer bar.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, furthercomprising a wrist support mounted on the linear region of thestabilizer bar.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the reducerattachment is moveable along a portion of the length of the stabilizerbar on the linear region.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising a wrist support mounted on the linear region of thestabilizer bar.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the wrist supportis moveable along a portion of the length of the stabilizer bar on thelinear region.